top of page

Southwest Sheep & Solar

IMG_0506 9.jpeg

HOW IT WORKS

Every solar-grazing program begins with an evaluation of the facility, its vegetation, and the operator’s goals. From there, we develop a practical plan for the livestock, traditional mowing, infrastructure, schedule, and ongoing management.

Step 1

Inital site conversation

The first conversation will establish the site's goals and determine whether or not Southwest Sheep & Solar is the right contractor for the job. Those goals might be:

  • Full vegetation elimination

  • Continuous management

  • Weed mitigation

  • Bale grazing and erosion control

  • Soil restoration

  • Fire fuels reduction

  • Hybrid mowing and grazing approach

IMG_3845.jpeg

Step 2

Preliminary Review

We review the available information to identify obvious opportunities, questions, or limitations before more detailed planning begins.

 

Depending on the facility, we may review:

  • Aerial maps

  • Site plans

  • Photographs

  • Panel layout

  • Fence information

  • Vegetation reports

  • Construction or operating schedules

  • Access restrictions

Step 3

Site Visit and Vegetation Managment Assessment

When appropriate, we evaluate the property in greater detail to understand how livestock, equipment, water, and facility operations would need to work together. 

​

  • Vegetation conditions

  • Panel and equipment clearance

  • Water access

  • Terrain

  • Gates

  • Perimeter fencing

  • Livestock handling areas

  • Trailer access

  • Safety concerns

  • Areas requiring special treatment

IMG_6571.HEIC

Step 4

Grazing Plan and Proposal

Once we have sufficient information, we develop a proposed grazing approach that reflects the facility’s vegetation, infrastructure, operating needs, and livestock requirements.

 

The proposal may address:

  • Proposed flock size

  • Grazing schedule

  • Need for mowing

  • Service area

  • Water plan

  • Containment strategy

  • Monitoring

  • Livestock handling

  • Coordination requirements

  • Pricing

  • Responsibilities of each party

Step 5

Flock Deployment

Deployment is planned around site access, facility safety requirements, animal needs, and the work of site personnel and other contractors. Some factors include: 

​

  • Livestock transportation

  • Safe unloading

  • Water setup

  • Handling equipment

  • Initial containment

  • Site orientation

  • Coordination with facility personnel

IMG_0291 5.jpeg

Step 6

Monitoring and Coordination

Active management continues throughout the grazing period. The exact monitoring schedule depends on the facility, weather, livestock conditions, water system, forage, and contract requirements. Management includes:

​

  • Animal-health checks

  • Water checks

  • Forage monitoring

  • Location monitoring

  • Moving the flock

  • Checking containment

  • Communication with facility personnel

  • Responding to weather and changing conditions

Step 7

Adjustments and Ongoing Management

Vegetation growth, weather, forage use, facility work, and animal needs can change during a project. We adjust the grazing plan when necessary and ensure all site personnel are informed when  

​

The goal is to keep the grazing program aligned with the facility’s vegetation objectives while protecting the animals and accounting for ongoing site operations.

​

Additionally, we will examine whether we need to mow parts of the site that the animals will not reach in time.

IMG_0277 5.jpeg
IMG_0277 5.jpeg
IMG_7279.jpeg

Ready to Discuss the Process for Your Site?

Tell us about the facility, its current vegetation-management needs, and the timeline you are working with.

Discuss the Process for Your Site
bottom of page